More Than Just a Meal 

Jimmy Henson has been volunteering by serving the lunch meal at Cherokee County Rescue Mission (CCRM) since February of 2024, and he generally volunteers 5 days a week.  Jimmy is serving more than just a meal at CCRM.  He is demonstrating the genuine love and care of Jesus Christ to every person he encounters.

 

Jimmy is a member of Draytonville Baptist Church in Gaffney.  In the church bulletin was an insert for Miracle Hill.  A pastor friend of Jimmy’s once preached a sermon about the Great Commission, that it’s not a great suggestion, but rather a great command.  “That really stuck with me.  I knew I wasn’t doing enough and not serving like I ought to, so I knew this was something the Lord wanted me to look in to, serving at Miracle Hill.”

 

During the lunch meal at CCRM, Jimmy helps serve the guests, wipes things down, helps sweep the floors and will do anything that needs to be done.

 

When ask what he loves most about volunteering at CCRM, Jimmy stated, “I love serving at Miracle Hill.  I love the people here.  It’s a blessing.  I’ve made a lot of friends, and I’ve talked to a lot of people and I love these guys.  When I get here, I will pray, and I ask God for opportunities to share the Gospel, to be an encourager and to serve people.  It’s very rewarding, warms my heart and makes me feel good.  I enjoy it.  I know I’m serving the Lord by helping them.  I’m hoping to build those relationships and friendships so that if they don’t know Christ, that I may have that opportunity to share, but bridges have to be built.  I love these guys and they are also my family.”

 

This time of the year can be so difficult and emotional for the guests in our facilities, experiencing homelessness and loneliness during the Christmas season.  Volunteers have a unique opportunity to poor love and encouragement into those who are suffering.  I asked Jimmy what advice he has for new volunteers.  “Embrace it.  Pray about it and embrace it. Seek God’s will in it, pray hard.  Learn people’s names and make that connection.  And pray, pray, pray and come in and be willing to just love on them and be a friend to them, however you can. That’s how God has led me so far.”

 

Matthew 6:3 says, “But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.”    Jimmy stated, “I try to hold to that.  I want the Lord to see what I’m doing.  I’m doing it for Him and not for man.”

 

Thank you, Jimmy, for having a heart of compassion for those who are lost and suffering.  Thank you for volunteering with Miracle Hill.

 

If you would like more information about volunteering at Miracle Hill, please contact Pamela Ballard, Volunteer Administrator, at 864-631-0144 or pballard@miraclehill.org.